Health care costs drive some to seek alternatives

Many Americans are delaying medical care, according to survey of over 4,000 adults by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

The research reveals that one in five people have reported that high costs have contributed to their decision not to see their doctor to treat their ailments.

In fact, more consumers are trying alternative or natural remedies instead of seeing their doctor first. This year 17 percent of respondents said they were trying alternative treatments first, up from 12 percent last year.

Deloitte Center for Health Solutions executive director Paul Keckley says that he expects the trend of seeking out less-expensive care options will continue.

"As the burden of care continues to be shifted to the individual, and more Americans lose their jobs and their health insurance, we expect this trend will continue," said Keckley. "It will be interesting to see what happens in 2014 when the individual mandates requiring Americans to purchase health insurance kick in."

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March of this year. Among several other provisions, all Americans will be required to obtain health insurance.